Dewalt DWP611PK

The Dewalt DWP611PK is Dewalt’s fantastic router combo kit in the 1.25 hp trim router (laminate trimmer) class. Most router manufacturers have a fixed-base trim router in their line up but Dewalt is the only one to produce a router combo kit in this class, giving you a fixed base plus a plunge base in one package. In fact the Dewalt DWP611PK is the only plunge router available in this power bracket, meaning if you want a small, lightweight plunge router, the Dewalt DWP611PK is it.

The term trim router/laminate trimmer does not do this new breed of small routers justice as they are versatile and easy to use and are not limited to simply trimming laminate as the early models used to be, but can be used for a variety of furniture-making tasks such as rounding over edges, routing hinge mortises, trimming veneer and many other jobs.

The Dewalt DWP611PK’s small size and light weight means it is very agile and easy to control, and in fixed-base mode can even be used one handed allowing you to hold the workpiece with the other hand. This saves time as you don’t have to continually clamp and re-clamp the workpiece as you rout round it.

With a lot of small tasks, you quite often find that it’s not really worth getting out and setting up your full-size router, and that’s where the Dewalt DWP611PK really comes into it’s own – it offers the perfect balance of power, precision and control, and once you start using it you’ll find yourself using it for more and more jobs. It will become your go-to router.

THE Dewalt DWP611PK includes the only plunge-base router available in this power bracket, meaning if you want a small, lightweight plunge router, the Dewalt DWP611PK is it

The Dewalt DWP611PK manages to combine two of the most popular recent trends in the router market – a lightweight, versatile design for all those jobs that don’t need a full-size router, in a router combo kit which gives you two routers for not much more than the price of one.

Powerful, Variable-Speed Motor with Soft Start
When looking at any router, one of the most important feature to look for is the horsepower rating of the motor, and this applies equally to a small, palm router like the DWP611PK. The DWP611PK has a 1.25-hp motor and although that doesn’t sound much, in use it provides plenty of power, particularly given that it only uses 1/4-inch shank cutters.

The motor has everything that you would expect in a modern motor – variable speed (useful because, even though you are unlikely to use large bits in this router, it’s still the case that the larger the bit, the slower the cutting speed needs to be), soft-start (for easier handling on start-up which is particularly useful if you’re using it one handed), and electronic feedback that maintains motor speed through the cut.

Router bit size
The bit shank size of the router is another important factor in deciding on a router. The two most common bit shank sizes are 1/4″ and 1/2″ and you should consider the projects you want to complete and the availability of bit sizes you need for these projects. The Dewalt DWP611PK has a 1/4″ collet which is the best size for a palm router not designed for heavy duty work requiring large cutters. Generally this router will be bought by woodworkers who already have a larger, heavy duty router and are looking for a small, lightweight machine that’s versaltile and easy to use for smaller jobs and the ease of use and lack of set-up time required for this router means that you will probably find yourself using it for more and more projects.

The DWP611PK has a large, low-pressure spindle lock button which allows for comfortable, single wrench bit changes.Accurate Depth Adjustment
All routers, whether fixed base or plunge, need to have a means of accurately adjusting bit depth. By definition, trim routers are used for small scale work and so accurate depth adjustment becomes even more important where being a few thousands of an inch out can spell disaster. The Dewalt DWP611PK has a number of depth adjustment features that enable perfect depth setting

Smooth Plunge Action
A basic requirement of a plunge router is that it should plunge smoothly and should not stick when moving up and down. The best possible cut will be achieved when you can lower the cutter smoothly into the workpiece and out again; any stickiness or jerking can spoil the cut. We found that the plunge action on the Dewalt was exceptionally smooth and easy to use and the stops work very well to control the depth.

Comfort & ergonomics
In fixed base mode the Dewalt DWP611PK is very comfortable to hold and, with its light weight, means that stable, one-handed operation is absolutely perfect. The clear sub-base and the two small LED lights embedded on the underside of the motor housing provide excellent illumination and cutter visibility, which is particularly useful when doing detailed work. The plunge base has overmolded rubber handles which provide a comfortable and secure grip and the large plunge base platform provides added stability for heavier applications.

If you’re used to working with a full-size router you will really appreciate how small and light it is, the quietness and lack of vibration of the 1.25 hp motor, and how mobile and controllable it is.

What do the professionals think about the Dewalt DWP611PK?

How much should you expect to pay?
This router combo kit is incredible value and you can get it for under $200 on the web

What are other people saying?
This router combo kit has received some great reviews – users like the fact that it’s so much easier to use than a full-size router, and it can handle more jobs than they thought it would

“I can not say enough goods things about this router. This now is my go-to router”

Bottom Line
The Dewalt DWP611PK is Dewalt’s fantastic router combo kit in the 1.25 hp trim router class. Most router manufacturers have a fixed-base trim router but Dewalt is the only one to produce a router combo kit in this class. In fact the Dewalt DWP611PK is the only plunge router available in this power bracket, meaning if you want a small, lightweight plunge router, the Dewalt DWP611PK is it.